Page 54 of Chasing the Past

Gavin came into the room. “That’s good to know. You should probably hear this.” He crooked his thumb toward the living room and disappeared without waiting for Eli’s answer.

Eli took a minute to collect himself before he followed. Carter stood near Asal. Right away, he could see she was nervous. She watched him approach with fear on her face. Had something happened?

“Carter, why don’t you tell us what you found out?” Gavin waited for the CIA agent to speak.

Carter’s mouth thinned. “I still can’t believe I’m even looking at one of our own, but there’re irrefutable facts that can’t be ignored.”

“What are you talking about?” Eli couldn’t take his eyes off Asal. Something was dreadfully wrong.

“Luke Mattis, you remember he was part of our team in Afghanistan?” Carter waited for affirmation.

“I remember.” He moved closer to Asal and placed his arm around her shoulders drawing her nearer.

“His burner number was found on Rafiq’s phone. They’ve had multiple conversations over the past six months. Luke is working with the Panther and there are hints in the conversations about having an operative involved.” Carter’s eyes slid to Asal.

While Eli couldn’t seem to grasp the betrayal, Asal leaned closer and whispered for only him to hear. “He’s the one.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

From the moment he said hello to her, Asal knew Carter was the man who had held her captive in Afghanistan, and she had no doubt he realized she’d recognized his voice.

Eli kept her close after she said those words. The shock on his face was clear only to her. As he looked up and faced the others he masked his expression.

Asal had no doubt he’d come here to kill her.

“Any idea where Luke would be hiding?” Eli somehow kept his voice level.

“Somewhere on the island, I’ve no doubt.” Carter’s dark gaze bored into her. “He’s here to retrieve his asset and escape. We can’t let that happen.”

Eli nodded. “Well, we’ll keep a close eye on who’s coming this way. I’ll call Will and give him the alert.”

“No need,” Gavin interjected. “We’ve got this covered and this is my guy. I’d like to handle it myself.”

As inconspicuous as possible, Eli carefully pushed Asal behind him.

“What are you doing, buddy?” Gavin asked and it clicked. He was working with Carter.

“Run,” Eli yelled and whipped his weapon out.

Asal ran for the back of the house. She had to get help.

“Drop the weapon Eli, it’s over,” Carter said. “You’re not getting out of this alive. There’s too much at stake.”

Asal caught a glimpse of the three men with weapons drawn. Eli fired at Gavin who was closer. The shot hit his right shoulder. His weapon went flying. A second later, Carter returned fire. Asal watched in horror as Eli fell to his knees, his weapon hitting the floor. He grabbed his middle. He’d been shot critically.

She had to help.

She ran toward him. Acting on training she didn’t realize she had, Asal knelt beside him and immediately applied pressure.

“You have to leave,” he murmured, his eyes on her face.

“I can’t leave you. I love you.”

Gavin held his shoulder and raged expletives.

“This is awfully sweet, Sashi, but I’m afraid we don’t have much time. Say goodbye.” Carter pointed the weapon at her head.

He’d called her Sashi. She was Sashi. And the man she loved was slowly dying. He needed her immediate expertise.

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